Home of Agritourism

No visit to Southland would be complete without trying out one of the many agritourism experiences on offer. Southland, Home of Agritourism!

Known for its warm ‘small community’ feel, rural Southland is famous for genuine hospitality, hearty meals, entrepreneurial spirit, and stunning natural landscapes. With experiences ranging from alpaca feeding, whip cracking, private mountain bike trails and horse treks to boutique produce and authentic farmstay experiences, there is a rich array of options available.

Ben Arthur, Welcome Rock Trails

Tours & Experiences

Immerse yourself on one of our working dairy farms, take a scenic horse trek along the coast, cycle through Northern Southland's rural farmland, explore historic country towns full of hidden secrets or… Read More

Farmstays

If you are after an authentic Southland experience you can’t go past a farmstay. There is nothing more kiwi than waking up to birdsong and watching sheep graze whilst sipping on a freshly brewed… Read More

ILT

Paddock to Plate

Our lush rich soils in Southland provide an abundance of local seasonal food. Many cafes and restaurants make a conscious effort to support local business while also reducing their food milage, creating… Read More

Riverton Heritage Harvest Festival Organic Produce

Rural Markets & Events

Meet the characters and see the heart of Southland when the locals come together and make the most of a good day out. The region has a wide variety of annual events which celebrate and take pride in our rich… Read More

Rural Heritage & Education

Southland is home to significant local collections linked to our history as an agricultural region. Several museums focus on a particular part of the rural story, but many others have elements woven… Read More

Maple Glen Gardens - Southland, New Zealand

Country Gardens

Blue bell drifts, rhododendron drives, hydrangea dells. Southland is known for its amazing cottage gardens, veggie patches, progressive seed use and environmental conservation. What better way to visit… Read More

Dusky Ridges

Agritourism Itineraries

A visit to Southland would be incomplete without some agritourism experiences. From farmstays and farm tours, to visiting rural markets and museums and more. Get your agritourism roadtrip started now. Read More

Southland’s abundance of agritourism is strongly linked to the importance of agriculture to the region. Well known for its farming prowess, the agriculture industry is the backbone of Southland's economy and a pivotal part of our identity. Several competitive advantages including climate, rainfall, good soils and long daylight hours, result in Southland having higher crop yields and pasture growth than in many other areas of New Zealand. Southland cows produce 10% higher milk solids per cow when compared with the national average and the town of Edendale is home to the largest raw milk powder plant in the world. The region produces 4.1 million lambs per annum which is around 17% of New Zealand's overall sheep production.

Agriculture is also key to Southland’s heritage, with the region home to the largest number of Century Farms in the country. These farms are those that have been in the same family continuously for over 100 years. For those interested in learning more about our agricultural history there are several museums throughout the region celebrating the machinery, the number 8 wire mentality, and pioneers of Southland whose backbreaking work formed the foundation of the success we enjoy today.

Agritourism Itineraries

Whether you’re after a relaxing getaway in the countryside, the chance to experience rural life with our friendly farmers or want to find out more about the food we produce you’ll find it all within our vast range of agritourism experiences. Getting off the beaten track and connecting to our land will create memories that are guaranteed to last you a lifetime.

Videocopter

Heartland Agritourism Adventure

Keen to get off the beaten track? This adventure will take you into the outdoors and fresh air of rural Southland, making you wonder why you hadn’t done it sooner.

Takitimu Mountains - Southland, New Zealand

Jeremy Pierce

From Farms to Fiords

Looking for a relaxing rural getaway that is both enjoyable and affordable? A farm vacation might be the answer, and it’s only a short drive or flight away. Agritourism is becoming increasingly popular, as farmers recognise the value…

Wairaurahiri Jet © Martin Sliva

Activities & Tours

There is nothing like a personalised story or interactive experience to bring skills, history and landscapes to life. Enrich your southern adventure with one of our tours and experiences for a deeper dive… Read More

Walking & Cycling

In Southland, there is an abundance of walking trails for the hiking-inclined traveller, be it short, day or multi-day walks. All these walks let you sample the region's rich natural heritage, exploring… Read More

Outdoor Adventures

Whether the coast battered by the great southern ocean, fiords carved by ancient glaciers or the mountains and plateaus shaped by the weather and its local inhabitants, Murihiku Southland reveals some… Read More

Great South

Boating & Water Activities

Southland is a region shaped by water, its residents and their past-times, the industry and wilderness, all its uniqueness is based on this power of nature. From the snow-capped mountains, flowing rivers… Read More

Riversdale Arts Mixed Media Art Exhibition

Arts, Culture & Heritage

The history of Southland Murihiku is rich and varied and each part of the region has their own unique past. You will find historical buildings located throughout the region. Aside… Read More

Home of Agritourism

No visit to Southland would be complete without trying out one of the many agritourism experiences on offer. Southland, Home of Agritourism!

Agritourism Itineraries

Things to Do

Things to Do

Things to Do

Things to Do

Things to Do

Things to Do